Raipur, April 1 — Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Dantewada in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region on April 5, a region central to intensified anti-Naxalite operations. His visit includes participation in the closing ceremony of the Bastar Pandum festival, a temple visit, and key strategic meetings with security force commanders.
During his visit, Shah will:
Following the BJP's return to power in Chhattisgarh in 2023, security operations in the region have seen a notable escalation. As per official data, around 350 Naxalites have been killed in encounters—most of them in the Bastar region—since January 2023.
The most recent operation on March 29 resulted in the killing of 18 Naxalites, including 11 women, in twin encounters across the Bastar area.
“Taking a giant stride towards building a Naxal-free Bharat, today our nation achieved a new milestone by significantly reducing the number of districts most affected by Leftwing Extremism to just six from 12,” Shah said in a post on social media platform X.
He credited the progress to the Modi government’s “Sashakt, Surakshit, and Samriddh Bharat” vision—a strong, secure, and prosperous India—driven by its firm stand on Naxalism and consistent focus on holistic development.
Shah’s Schedule in Bastar
According to Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma, Shah will arrive in Raipur on the night of April 4 and travel to Dantewada the next morning.During his visit, Shah will:
- Offer prayers at the Maa Danteshwari Temple, a revered shrine in Dantewada
- Attend the concluding event of the Bastar Pandum festival, which showcases tribal traditions and unity
- Interact with local public representatives
- Chair a high-level meeting with commanders of security forces involved in anti-Naxal operations
Renewed Offensive Against Naxalism
Shah’s visit comes amid the Centre’s aggressive push to eliminate Naxalism by March 2026—a deadline the Home Minister has reiterated in multiple addresses.Following the BJP's return to power in Chhattisgarh in 2023, security operations in the region have seen a notable escalation. As per official data, around 350 Naxalites have been killed in encounters—most of them in the Bastar region—since January 2023.
The most recent operation on March 29 resulted in the killing of 18 Naxalites, including 11 women, in twin encounters across the Bastar area.
India’s Progress in Reducing Naxal-Affected Districts
On Tuesday, Shah announced that India has halved the number of districts severely impacted by Leftwing Extremism (LWE)—from 12 to just 6.“Taking a giant stride towards building a Naxal-free Bharat, today our nation achieved a new milestone by significantly reducing the number of districts most affected by Leftwing Extremism to just six from 12,” Shah said in a post on social media platform X.
He credited the progress to the Modi government’s “Sashakt, Surakshit, and Samriddh Bharat” vision—a strong, secure, and prosperous India—driven by its firm stand on Naxalism and consistent focus on holistic development.
Context: What Defines an LWE-Affected District?
As per the Union Home Ministry, LWE-affected districts are those experiencing recurring Naxalite violence and activities. The reduced number reflects significant progress in India’s internal security landscape, especially in states like Chhattisgarh, which has long been a hotbed of insurgency.
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